Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for urgent action to address ethnic divisions in the country, which he said have been exacerbated by the outcome of the 2023 general elections. Speaking at a conference in Abuja, Obasanjo described the election as a “sickening show of shame” and urged the incoming administration to initiate the process of national reconciliation. He added that Nigeria needs to build a collective sense of enduring local values and national belonging to facilitate this process.
Obasanjo Condemns Frivolities and Corruption in Nigeria's Development Finance
Obasanjo also called for new thinking on development financing, arguing that Nigeria’s dwindling oil revenue and foreign debt made it necessary to diversify the economy. He said that the country cannot expect to develop and grow if it continues to spend on frivolities and corruption. Instead, political will, political action, and administrative efforts are needed to reform the public service into a capability-ready institution that can enable Nigeria’s development agenda beyond 2023.
Obasanjo Vows to Speak Up as Nigeria Navigates Dystopian Future
Obasanjo, who served as president of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007, has been a vocal critic of successive governments since leaving office. He has previously spoken out about corruption, insecurity, and other issues facing the country. In his recent remarks, he made clear that he was “too old to keep quiet” and watch the country’s launch into dystopia. He called on all well-meaning and committed patriots to rescue the nation from the precipice.
Nigeria has faced a number of challenges in recent years, including Boko Haram’s insurgency in the northeast, ongoing conflicts between farmers and herders in the middle belt, and rising tensions between different ethnic and religious groups. The country is also grappling with economic issues, including high unemployment, inflation, and foreign debt.
The outcome of the 2023 general elections has added to these challenges, with opposition parties and civil society groups accusing the ruling party of electoral fraud and irregularities. The election has also been marred by violence, with dozens of people killed in clashes between rival political groups.
Obasanjo’s call for urgent action to address ethnic divisions and other challenges facing the country comes at a time of great uncertainty in Nigeria. With the country facing multiple crises, the incoming administration will need to take bold and decisive action to put the country on a more stable and sustainable path.
By
Gbolahan Isama MS.
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